Transcript of my podcast episode (13)

Welcome to episode 13! Is 13 an unlucky number? Well, if you’re superstitious, it might bring you bad luck. But if you’re not, why should you care? In the end, it’s just a number, isn’t it? Do you believe in superstitions? That means, do you believe in things that are not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but are connected with old ideas about magic, etc.? I don’t, but I like to read about various superstitions that people believe in around the world. Sometimes we have some superstitions in common with other nations, sometimes they’re quite similar, and sometimes, depending on the culture of a country, they’re completely different from the ones we generally know. In Europe, we’re used to the fact that the number 13 is considered unlucky, and it’s often avoided on planes, in lifts and hotels. Although in Italy, for instance, an unlucky number is 17. On the other hand, in East Asian countries such as China, Japan or Korea, people tend to avoid number 4. There are obviously different reasons why people believe in superstitions, and it’s all rather fascinating. Also, having some knowledge about superstitions can come in handy when we meet foreigners. For example, if you know that Asian people may be afraid of number 4, you will probably try to avoid giving them four flowers or four chocolates, or four… whatever. If you’re interested in the topic of superstitions, go on YouTube and watch the animated TED-Ed video entitled “Where do superstitions come from?” by Stuart Vyse.

And now, let’s get down to work! The first expression I want to teach you or revise with you today is IN THE LONG RUN which means “at a time that is far away in the future”.

For instance: I don’t like my job, but in the long run, it will pay off to stay in this company. Now, repeat after me.
The translation is: Nie lubię mojej pracy, ale na dłuższą metę opłaci się zostać w tej firmie.

Another example: She shouldn’t take up that course – in the long run, it doesn’t make sense.
Nie powinna podejmować tego kursu  – na dłuższą metę nie ma to sensu.

The second expression is TO DEPEND ON SB/STH. When something depends on somebody or something else, it’s decided by or changed according to the stated person or thing.

For instance: Children can’t make their own decisions – their lives depend on adults.
Dzieci nie mogą podejmować własnych decyzji – ich życie zależy od dorosłych.

Another example: I don’t know if I’ll go camping this weekend – it depends on the weather.
Nie wiem, czy pojadę pod namiot w ten weekend – to zależy od pogody.

And now it’s time for your ENGSPRESSO to go!

Our context for the phrases is:

In the long run, your success depends on your willingness to acquire new skills.
Na dłuższą metę twój sukces zależy od twojej chęci / gotowości do nabywania nowych umiejętności.

Great! I hope you’ve learned something new. And if you’d like to learn much more from these episodes, soon I will have something special for you! As you might remember, I’ve been working on a new e-book called “ENGSPRESSO workbook” that’s going to be based on the first ten ENGSPRESSO episodes. It’s going to contain various exercises thank to which you’ll learn and revise even more English. I’m rather excited about it, and I hope you are too. Keep your eyes peeled! That means: keep your eyes open.

You’ll find the transcript of today’s episode at the link in the description down below.

Thank you for today and talk to you next time!